Intergenerational Solidarity emphasized on World Social Work Day

The Department of Social Work of Cyprus International University (CIU)  organized an event to draw attention to "Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing” which was the commonly accepted theme to be discussed   during the World Social Work Day 2025. Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Özada Nazım, one of the faculty members in the department, made some highly striking statements regarding the meaning and importance of the day.

Nazım said, "World Social Work Day, celebrated every year on the third Tuesday of March, aims to raise awareness worldwide on this year’s theme 'Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing this year," and added that this theme determined by the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) emphasizes the necessity of establishing strong ties between different generations for the sustainability of social wellbeing.

Drawing attention to the change in social structure, Nazım said, "As social structure and living conditions change, transformative social problems arise leading to the emergence of new ones. For example, while smartphone addiction was not seen as a problem 20 years ago, today it has become a serious problem that affects especially the biopsychosocial development of young people." Referring to the importance of inclusive social policies in solving social problems, Nazım added, "At this point, preserving and strengthening the greatest advantages of small societies namely social support networks and intergenerational solidarity, contributing to the increase in social well-being will become possible."

Nazım stated that the Department of Social Work of Cyprus International University not only trains the  future social workers but also acts with the understanding that "it is of great importance for universities, civil society organizations, politicians and community leaders to support practices, scientific research and projects aimed at solving social problems." To conclude, Nazım said, "Social change is the way human interactions and relationships transform cultural and social institutions over time, having a profound impact on society.”